Native Americans and the Environment: A survey of twentieth century issues with particular reference to peoples of the Colorado Plateau and Southwest (page 8 of 10)

Author: David Rich Lewis. Adapted from: Lewis, David R. 1995. "Native Americans and the Environment: A survey of twentieth century issues." American Indian Quarterly, 19: 423-450, by permission of the University of Nebraska Press. Visit the University of Nebraska Press website at nebraskapress.unl.edu/.

Tourism

As Native and national populations grow and as improved transportation makes once isolated reservations more accessible, tourists and tribes are recognizing the recreational potential of Indian lands. Both the White Mountain and Mescalero Apache have constructed ski resorts and hotel complexes. Navajos built resort marinas on Lake Powell and tribal parks at Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly. The Havasupai economy depends on tourists descending into the Grand Canyon.

Across the country, tribes are building casinos and resorts to tap gambling and tourist dollars.  Tourism poses its own environmental problems - from construction to dealing with large numbers of people in fragile environments. One also must consider the cultural impact of camera-toting tourists intruding on sacred sites and ceremonies.

Follow these links to:
Stereotypes and Interests in Conflict
Conclusion
Selected References